Thailand is a popular destination for retirees from all over the world, thanks to its pleasant climate, picturesque scenery and affordable quality of life. However, before you can fully enjoy a peaceful retirement in this magnificent country, there are a number of aspects to consider regarding the visas available to retirees.
Non-Immigrant Visa O-A: The Retirement Visa
The Non-Immigrant O-A visa, commonly known as the "retired visa".This visa is specially designed for people aged 50 and over who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand. This visa, which has an initial duration of one year, is renewable every year and allows you to stay in Thailand without having to leave the country every 90 days, as is the case with other types of visa.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a retirement visa, applicants must meet certain conditions:
- Have at least 50 years at the time of application
- Proof of monthly income of at least THB 65,000 (Thai bahts) or a bank deposit in Thailand of at least THB 800,000
- Health insurance covering medical care in Thailand
- No criminal record in your country of origin or in Thailand
- Meet the usual entry and residence criteria for Thailand (valid passport, return ticket, sufficient funds for the stay)
Documents required for the application
The following documents must be provided when applying for a retirement visa:
- Original passport valid for at least 18 months from the date of application
- Photocopy of passport with pages containing personal details and previous visas
- Completed and signed application form
- recent colour passport photo, less than 6 months old
- Medical certificate less than 3 months old issued by an approved doctor
- Proof of monthly income or bank balance
- Health insurance certificate
- Police certificate from country of origin if required
Other Non-Immigrant visa options
If you don't meet the criteria for a retired visa or would like to explore other options, there are several alternatives:
Non-Immigrant Visa O - Accompanying visa
This visa is intended for people wishing to join a close relative in Thailand (spouse, parents). It is granted for 90 days and can be extended for up to a year under certain conditions. However, you must leave the country every 90 days or apply to the Thai authorities for an extension.
Conditions and documents required
The conditions of eligibility and the list of documents required vary according to the family relationship with the person living in Thailand:
- For a spouse: legally recognised marriage, proof of monthly income of at least THB 40,000 or bank deposit of THB 400,000.
- For a parent/child: proof of parentage, proof of sufficient financial resources to support the applicant
Non-Immigrant Visa B - Professional Visa
This visa is intended for people wishing to work in Thailand, but also for investors, entrepreneurs and retired people involved in voluntary work. The Non-Immigrant B visa is valid for a renewable period of 90 days and requires regular exits from the country.
Conditions and documents required
Depending on the activity planned in Thailand, certain specific documents will need to be provided in addition to the usual documents (passport, photos, form):
- Proof of employment, investment or project in Thailand
- Certificate from host company or organisation
Extensions and formalities on site
Once you have settled in Thailand on a retirement or other non-immigrant visa, you will need to comply with certain formalities in order to maintain your status as a legal resident. These formalities include
- Notification every 90 days : With most non-immigrant visas, you must report your address to an immigration office every 90 days.
- Application to extend your stay : if your visa is due to expire but you still wish to stay in Thailand, you can apply to immigration for an extension of your stay.
When all is said and done, obtaining a visa to settle in Thailand when you retire requires you to think carefully about your needs and the different options available. The retired visa is an ideal solution for those who meet the specific conditions, while other non-immigrant visas can be considered depending on your personal situation.
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